While cavities are most commonly associated with children, they are actually more common in seniors (ages 65 and older). There are several reasons why seniors are more at risk—below are just a few. We recommend that you see your dentist regularly to make sure you are not at risk for developing any further cavities.

Cavities may occur because of:

1. Changes in Your Body—Seniors often experience a lot of physical changes in their body. Certain changes can affect your overall oral health, leaving you more vulnerable to oral health concerns such as cavities. If you are experiencing a lot of changes in your body, make sure you visit your dentist regularly to carefully monitor your oral health.

2. Gum Disease—Gum disease can cause the gums to recede, exposing more of your tooth to plaque and bacteria. Plaque can then build up more quickly, leaving you more prone to developing cavities. Click here if you’d like to learn more about gum disease.

3. A Dry Mouth—Certain types of medication can reduce the amount of saliva in your mouth, causing your mouth to feel dry. Saliva serves an important purpose in rinsing and fighting the bacteria in your mouth. A lack of it could allow bacteria to build and cause cavities to develop. Click here to learn more about what you can do if you have a dry mouth.

4. Poor Oral Care—23% of seniors haven’t been to the dentist in the past five years. Without proper oral care and maintenance, you run the risk of developing cavities and other oral health problems that could affect your overall health. Proper oral care, such as regular brushing, flossing and visits to the dentist are required to avoid cavities.

Tips to Protect your Teeth from Cavities:

It’s never too late to start taking care of your teeth. Here are a few tips to help protect your teeth from cavities: